By Drew Adams
Murray, KY – Kentucky was one of seven states to receive the federal funds. The government awarded the Commonwealth $17 million of the $200 million total. Illinois received $42 million. These funds are much smaller compared to first round winners like Tennessee that won $500 million. Kentucky Education Commissioner Terry Holliday says the state is excited to get the funds and will be using the award to implement professional development and Senate bill 1 compliance. Now, 16 states overall have been awarded funding through the Race to the Top program totaling more than 4 billion dollars. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan says federal officials will be monitoring winning states to ensure they use the funds as designated by the federal government. Duncan expects significant improvements from the winning states.